Day 3 (25 July 2011): Ballito to Sheffield Beach; the last 5 km and more photos

This post was written by one of the men who completed the entire distance on Day 3

We leave the injured hiker with the support team and depart again on the open beach, a very long beach with no rocks.  This was an interesting day with lots of variety.  After about an hour we get to a large tidal pool and a nice caravan park; Salt Rock.  We use their toilets and the youngest son (who had sand up to his hair) gets rinsed under a shower.  The cousin hiking with us looks a bit blue.  His mother is not here and the other responsible dad feels if this does not kill him it will build character.  The children enjoy the walk.  And we are doing something together as a family, building values. 

Late in the afternoon we had only a few sandwiches left and had to share carefully.  We look forward to walking in more remote areas later on.  The children might also have to learn to carry backpacks.  Would that influence their speed, playing and swimming?  (Editor:  It is a great idea to use backpacks to slow the children down.  Can we add rocks?)  We learn to appreciate the things we take for granted.  The foot injury happened so quickly.  We should all learn a lesson from this. 

After the caravan park we saw a wedding on the beach, only to find out an hour later that this is the hotel where the support team was waiting for us.  We walk along rocks again, and then sandy beach again.  We asked another hiker on the beach where we are, and he tells us that we are almost at the northern most end of Sheffield beach.  He jokes by saying:  “If you are looking for Mocambique you are going in the right direction “  We are looking forward to walking the entire way to Mosambique within the following year or two.  We find a path to the tarred road and a fantastic day on the beach comes to an end.  This was indeed a blessing.  We appreciated the Creator, creation and health today. 

The support team picks us up in two vehicles.  We appreciate their help.  Thank you to them. 

Look North, go ahead, carry on.  It is a blessing to use your legs.  Enjoy life.  Every moment.  We are blessed. 

Early morning, we are still wearing warm clothes

The children having fun

Mother and child (the child is a bit like "Where is Wally?")

Just before Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall and a rare photo of me

Interesting rocks.  My son claims it was caused by air bubbles in lava.  Was it?

This looks dangerous

So pretty

Cumulative statistics
Distance walked: 22.4 km
Time walked: 11.5 ure
Dayd walked: 3
Average speed: 1.9 km/uur

Distance drove:  220 km
Hikers: 16
Rivirs crossed: 3
Medical emergencies: 1

Distance left: 552.6 km
Persentage finished: 3.9%